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Chicago Public Schools Lays Off 1,458 Employees to Reduce $734 Million Deficit

Interim CEO Macquline King is convening stakeholder meetings ahead of the August 29 deadline to finalize a balanced fiscal 2026 budget.

The Chicago Public Schools emblem on its headquarters on West Madison Street, July 10, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Chicago Public Schools has cut 1,619 positions since late June, following an initial round that eliminated 161 central office and crossing guard roles.
  • The July 11 layoffs included 432 teachers (132 special education), 311 paraprofessionals, 33 security officers and 677 special education classroom assistants.
  • Staffing decisions for special education reflect documented student needs and involve workers represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 73 and the Chicago Teachers Union.
  • The district has lost federal COVID relief funding and remains more than $1 billion short under the state’s funding formula, a shortfall that delayed school-level budget allocations.
  • More than 80% of displaced employees have historically secured positions within the district before the school year begins, and CPS will host summer hiring fairs to support affected staff.